Team Falken Switches to Porsche 911 GT3 R

The Falken Motorsport Team announced today it has decided to run a GT3 R specification Porsche 911 in the Nurburgring 24 Hour race, scheduled to be held on June 25-26.This switch follows a successful history of campaigning for Japanese sports cars in the ADAC Zurich 24-Hour Race and ties in with increasing activity of the brand in the region.

Drivers are yet to be announced but in line with the team’s preparations, the selection is likely to focus on those with extensive Nurburgring experience.

“With Falken High Performance Tyres and Porsche, two premium motorsport brands are coming together. This comes at a time when we are increasing our commitment in Europe, with an intention to expand further,” said Falken’s Marketing Director, Satoru Ushida.

“It is our aim to improve our race results from the past. Last year we achieved 12th place overall and 3rd place in the SP7 class and put our performance to the test at the highest level,” adds Ushida.

The 2011 race, which will be used to develop the next generation of Falken tires, features 33 left-hand and 40 right-hand curves. In the 2010 Long-Distance Championship (VLN) held at the track, nine out of the ten races were won by the Porsche 911 GT3 R.

The 911 GT3 R is powered by 4.0-liter six-cylinder, naturally-aspirated boxer engine, capable of developing 480 horsepower at 7,250 rpm. The power is transmitted to the rear axle via a six-speed sequential dog-type gearbox.

Traction control, the electronically controlled double de-clutching function and a specially tuned racing ABS, are all features that make the 911 GT3 R a highly competitive vehicle.